PROTESTERS opposed to ScottishPower's proposed gas plant at Byley claim the company's 'arrogance' could be its downfall, and are urging residents to join their fight.

PROTESTERS opposed to ScottishPower's proposed gas plant at Byley claim the company's 'arrogance' could be its downfall, and are urging residents to join their fight.

Action group Residents Against the Plant (RAP) say they have been underestimated and treated with contempt by the energy giant, which plans to build the £70 million plant on open land in the village.

Now members aim to gather more support and inform residents of their plans at a meeting at Cranage Conference Centre, Byley Lane, on Friday.

RAP spokesman John Edwards said: 'I think ScottishPower has been arrogant, has totally underestimated local opposition to its plans and is now on regardless of the concerns of an entire community united against it. It treats us with contempt.

'But this attitude could be its downfall because we are confident we will stop it. The plant would pollute the area and destroy beautiful countryside. It will be ugly and there is no need for it.

'I must emphasise that we are not against business, enterprise or profit, but we will not support it at all costs.'

The meeting, which will begin at 7.30pm, will be the biggest gathering of protesters and the group has invited MPs, councillors and representatives of the emergency services to attend.

The aim is to brief the public on latest events, and discuss RAP's unique chance to represent its views to Cheshire County Council, at a meeting on October 16.

Objectors are worried the gas plant could lead to 'acid rain' over Sandbach, Middlewich and Holmes Chapel.

A ScottishPower spokesman said: 'Over many months we have engaged with literally hundreds of local residents in discussions to outline our proposals and to answer concerns as they have been raised.

'We have listened. Indeed, our proposals were amended last year in the light of representations from local resident groups.

'The project has been the subject of rigorous checks by statuatory agencies, including the Health and Safety Executive which has raised no objections on safety grounds.

'English Nature and the Countyside Agency also have no objections to the scheme.'